Time Upside Down

Forward or backwards,
By numerals Roman or Arabic;
Counted by pointing arms
Or advancing digits;
Powered by springs,
Movement
Or small cartridges of
Contained energy,
Time moves in its own way
At its own pace
And always
In the same direction.
Appearances
And the pains
And rupture of life
Notwithstanding,
On its head
Or on its feet,
Time remains always
Right-side up.

Whether wished or eschewed,
Time passed
Is never renewed.

Inverted clock,
Inverted life;
Supporting illusion
Oft born by delusion
That it has tripped
Over itself,
Stepped back
Or retreated retrograde
In harmony
With human fears.
An eternal duet with
That dark bird
Perched above the bust of Pallas.
All doubts considered,
The word remains,
Unchangingly and most sure,
"Nevermore."